BLUES’ boss Gary Bailey outlined Saturday's opposition in Alresford Town as a team that are “on the rise”.

The Blues make the trip to Arlebury Park (3pm) to take on a Town outfit that have been in sublime form and have not lost a league game since October 31.

With the islanders also in good form with an impressive victory at Blackfield & Langley last time out, Bailey is expecting a cracker of a contest between two of the league’s form teams.

The Grove corner manager told Echosport: “They are on the rise.

“We beat them earlier in the season (3-0 in August) but they were a different side back then.

“I think they were still in the FA Vase and the FA Cup at the time – they had a good run in both those competitions and it may have taken their energies away from the league.

“Once they knuckled down in the league they have certainly been a force to be reckoned with.”

He added: “Their form and the run they have been on suggests they are a top-six side and that’s how we are going to treat them.

“It’s certainly going to be a tough afternoon and we are going to have to be every bit as good as we were against Blackfield & Langley last week if we are going to take the points.”

Winger Jamie Beasley remains suspended for the Blues this weekend.